12 Things to Never Say to Older and Younger Coworkers

To an Older Coworker: “So are you planning to retire soon?”

Just because a coworker has gray hair doesn’t mean they’re going to retire tomorrow. In fact, many professionals enjoy working well past the age of 60 because their work gives them a sense of purpose.

A great career can be truly rewarding, helping you feel like you’ve accomplished something or made a difference in someone’s life. Plus, it’s always somewhere to go in the morning to spend most of your day doing something productive instead of just watching TV.

Another big consideration to keep in mind is the current dire economic conditions. Your older coworker may not even have sufficient retirement funds saved up to allow them to retire, which would then turn this into a very awkward conversation. To stay on the safe side, don’t bring up the topic of retirement altogether.